Betty White did so much to bring smiles during her lifetime. But, did you know she joined several hundred thousand heroic female volunteers in the American Women's Voluntary Service during WWII?
The U.S. Army and the U.S. Forest Service took to social media to express their appreciation for Betty White. Many were thankful to see their focus on her volunteer service to her country.
The National Women's History Museum explains how, " [AWVS] volunteers, which numbered approximately 325,000 women, engaged in a range of activities including: working in canteens, selling war bonds, taking photographs, and driving ambulances."
It is natural to recognize the time Betty White committed to troops as a hollywood legend but, during the daytime, People Magazine reports how she would drive supply trucks to keep barracks stocked.
The U.S. Forest Service went to social media via Smokey the Bear. Smokey the Bear included mention of Betty White's interest in doing more as a Forest Ranger, but women were not allowed to join in those times. That did not stop White from getting involved and paving the way for changing times and a Forest Service which is now more inclusive.
The AWVS is just one of many roles female volunteers served our country. For example, the Navy W.A.V.E.S. (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Services) volunteers of WWI. According to the Library of Congress, "In that war almost 12,000 women would serve, most as yeomen (f), radio operators (f) and in a few other ratings."
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